TenCate GeoDetect®

• Walls

Geosynthetics are more and more used to reinforce earth-walls, because they are cheaper and easier to install than other systems.

When it is crucial to follow deformation level of the earth structure (bridge abutment for example), monitoring gives an additional safety. It is also valuable to measure the displacements at the interface between rigid and soft structures. Structural Health monitoring is important when the earthwork is localized close to sensitive areas or when the site materials are of poor quality.

• Embankments on piles

Embankments over piles are used more and more. Geotextiles for reinforcement improve the load repartition on the top of the piles. Structural health monitoring is important to assess the structure behaviour and its long term performance

• Slopes

The increasing use of steeper and higher slopes in more adverse topography by property developers that want to maximize surface area for new building construction is creating an embedded liability for owners and engineers.

Rodlauerbridge, Styria, Austria

• Levees

Levees have random and high hydraulic stresses. Early detection and warning during a flood event of any sign of erosion or instability increases the people security and prevents the failure of these works.

Loire river, Authion, France

• Dams and dikes

Dams must be supported by competent foundations and are routinely stressed by permanent or cyclic hydraulic forces. Early detection of soil erosion and instability is a challenge for the safety of hydraulic works.

• Embankments on cavities

Embankments over soft soils, or cavities, or built with poor soils have challenging and specific designs. Early warning systems are essential to monitor the changes of these earthworks and to react when early suspects signs are detected deeply into the soil.

• Canals, Basins and reservoirs

Water resource management et pollution control due to the storage of hazardous products require high performance mineral and geomembrane lining systems. Leakage and damage detection and localization systems are essential control, reception and management tools.

• Landfills

The TenCate GeoDetect® system has the potential to address several challenges specific to landfill applications: movement detection of top soil layer; landfill expansion for higher containment capacity with steeper slope reinforcement; assessment of the mechanical properties of waste materials, and monitoring temperature variations in a leak detection use.